2012 Subaru Outback: Transmission stopped working
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2012 Outback report: transmission stopped working. CarComplaints.com lists 6 owner complaints, average mileage 139,000 miles.
NHTSA has 108 owner complaints for the 2012 Outback in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11771732 (filed 10/16/2026): “While driving on i-5 at about 70 mph, i made a normal upshift from 5th to 6th gear in my 6-speed manual transmission. the shift lever went past the reverse lockout without my lifting the reverse pull collar (the owner's manual says the collar must be raised to…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11631701 (filed 12/19/2024): “When coming to a stop, the car shudders and often stalls just like if you didn't press in the clutch on a manual transmission. no warning lights or messages. see details in tsb- 16-90-13r. subaru knows about this issue and it has been reported in many vehicles…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace transmission (5 reports) replace harness (1 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Diagnosis needs a scan tool; repair or replacement needs a lift, transmission jack and the manufacturer's fluid fill/relearn procedure. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $3,730 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .